Davenport, IA Lodge News

Members of the Davenport Elks Lodge #298 and mascot Elroy the Elk paid a visit to Buchanan Elementary School on Good Friday to provide each third, fourth and fifth grade student with two #2 pencils to take the upcoming Iowa Assessment tests. Along with distributing the pencils, the Elk members also shared a “say ‘no’ to drugs” message with the students and gave each child an Elks National Drug Awareness bookmark as a reminder.

Almost 400 pencils were distributed to the school children. “I’m happy and proud of our Elk members who took on the project to provide these pencils for the students at Buchanan Elementary School,” said Davenport Elks Exalted Ruler John Zamora. “With it being close to the end of the school year, students don’t always have the proper #2 pencils needed to take the assessment tests. It was a unique and special way we could do something to help our community.”

According to a national school supply association, public school teachers spent, on average, $500 out of pocket on their students in 2014. “The donation of these pencils was a very kind and greatly appreciated gesture to help ease the burden of teachers and the students’ families,” said School Administrative Manager Mary Thissen. “Many students in our community go to school every day without the necessary supplies needed to learn. It’s encouraging to see people contribute to ensure the success of future generations.”